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Mayor Terry Lynne called for unity, long-term planning and greater cooperation among city leaders after taking the oath of office Tuesday, July 7, at Farmers Branch City Hall.
Dallas County Commissioner Andy Sommerman administered the oath before Lynne addressed family members, supporters, current and former elected officials and other residents gathered for the City Council meeting.
Lynne took office after winning the June 13 mayoral runoff. He briefly acknowledged the strain of the campaign and thanked his family and supporters.
“Say what you want about me, but family should be left out of a campaign,” Lynne said.
He then turned to governing and urged residents and council members to move forward together.
“Now it’s time to focus on moving Farmers Branch forward together,” Lynne said. “Let’s come together and heal our city.”
Lynne described the mayor as the council’s “sixth man” and said city leaders should focus less on individual districts and more on decisions that will shape Farmers Branch over the next 10 to 20 years.
“Serving is not about taking credit for yourself,” Lynne said. “It’s about sharing ideas and developing thoughts that will benefit the whole city, not an individual.”
Lynne said he wants the council to rely more on outside expertise when considering development and economic issues. He proposed regular presentations from real estate, apartment and hotel industry groups on housing, occupancy trends and regional growth.
“The more knowledge we have, the better decisions we can make for our city,” Lynne said.
Managing growth will be one of Farmers Branch’s central challenges, he said. Lynne pointed to the Mustang Station area and Mercer Crossing as places expected to see continued development.
“Our challenge is going to be managing future growth and changes in a responsible manner so that we don’t lose our small-town feel and personal contact with our residents,” he said.
Lynne also called for better promotion of events held in Farmers Branch, including activities organized by businesses and community groups rather than the city.
He said council members should remain accessible and welcome public input while recognizing that elected officials must consider the effects of their decisions on the entire community.
“Your voice is important. We will listen,” Lynne said. “But that doesn’t mean you will always get your way.”
He said the council represents about 43,000 residents and cannot base decisions solely on one person or a single interest.
Lynne grouped the city’s future priorities around redevelopment, infrastructure and public safety. He cited business growth, attainable workforce housing, changes at Four Corners, which is the intersection at Josey and Valley View lanes, and continued development around Mercer Crossing, along with improvements to older parks.
He also pointed to continued investment in water and sewer systems, stormwater mitigation, police and fire services.
Lynne closed by noting that Farmers Branch is marking the 80th anniversary of its incorporation during the nation’s 250th anniversary year.
“We really do have a special place here,” Lynne said. “We can make it even better for the future.”
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